It was a hive of activities for the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River Chapter, as the state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, laid the foundation of a one thousand capacity building hall, unveiling of the rebranded administrative block and the NYCN THINK Cross River brand, all in Calabar.
Speaking, the Governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar commended the Youth executive under Comr. Emmanuel Olayi for its initiatives and achievements within a short period of its existence and thanked them for supporting the present administration's policies and programmes.
He pledged the government's commitment towards the empowerment of more youths in the state which explains the rationale behind a number of youth friendly empowerment programmes to groom them through different platforms and foundations that will nurture them for leadership positions of tomorrow while delivering on his campaign promises
"I want to thank the Cross River youth for supporting the administration of Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Government is committed to the growth and development of the youths in the state, which is why we are grooming them through different platforms and foundations that will nurture them for the leadership of tomorrow. Government is also aware of its campaign promises to the youths of the state and vows to gradually deliver on them through programs that will reposition them for a secured future". He promised.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Barr. Ijom Ukam, noted, the facelift accorded the Youth house, was the part of efforts to replicate the infrastructural development that the state Governor is carrying out across the State, adding,"the young people are the greatest asset of the State and Government is tirelessly working to develop them to ensure that Cross River youths are equipped to thrive in the ever evolving world".
He called for support towards the noble initiative of the National Youth council of Nigeria in Cross River State as the rebranding of the administrative block symbolizes a new chapter worth of efficiency, organization and greater impact of youth development on the youths of Cross River state.
Senior Special Adviser on Youth development, Dr. Julius Kijuo and the SA on General Duties, Barr. Ekpengyong Akiba acknowledged the fact that without the youths, there is no future and
described Comr. Olayi as an innovative thinker and a critical leader who has proven his leadership dexterity.
They used the opportunity to encourage young people to acquire entrepreneurial skills and develop a business mindset that will make them self-reliant while pledging continued support to the council to enable it to build synergy that will take the State to the next level.
In a keynote address, titled, "Youths and Entrepreneurship" Dr. Iyke Ukweh, Chief Executive Officer Arubah Specialist hospital, described entrepreneurship as a venture which is open to all and grows income either through direct or indirect participation, advising young people to acquire skills for business of their choice before venturing into it, seek for partnership in business and also remain Focused for their established businesses to thrive.
Earlier, the State Chairman, NYCN, His Youthfulness Obol Comr. Emmanuel Olayi revealed the Council's strive to move from its present level of dependence to self-reliance through enterprenuership explaining that the rebranded Youth House is designed for vocational, leadership training among other activities that would boost its revenue generation efforts that relate to youth development, as the council is ready to contribute its quota to supporting the government of Cross River State, thus rebranding and renaming of the youth house in honour of Governor Bassey Otu for being youth friendly and always supporting the Youths.
High points was the Award of Honour on the Chief of Staff for his tremendous contributions to the state chapter of the youth Council among other dignitaries.
Hannah Arikpo, Beagle News
